Dickens & Rumi
Cover of The Philadelphia Experiment

film

The Philadelphia Experiment

2012

A secret government research project tries reviving the World War II "Philadelphia Experiment," which was an attempt to create a cloaking device to render warships invisible. When the experiment succeeds, it brings back the original ship (the Eldridge) that disappeared during the first test in 1943 - which brings death and destruction to the 21st century. It's up to the sole survivor of the first experiment and his granddaughter to stop it.

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At a glance

Recommended ageNot listed

Strongest cautions

  • Death of a character4/5
  • Frightening scenes4/5
  • Violence4/5

Strongest positives

  • Courage & resilience3/5
  • Creativity & curiosity2/5
  • Good role models2/5

What’s in it?

Death of a character4/5
Why this rating?

Death is central to the experiment’s history and consequences: the original test has only one survivor, and its return brings death and destruction.

Graphic injury1/5
Why this rating?

The premise involves destruction and likely injuries, but the available evidence does not indicate graphic blood or detailed wounds.

Strong language2/5
Why this rating?

Some mild-to-moderate profanity may occur in this PG-13 action thriller, but frequency and strength are uncertain.

Romance1/5
Why this rating?

Romance appears, if at all, to be a minor element rather than a focus of the time-travel adventure.

Frightening scenes4/5
Why this rating?

Atmospheric tension, time-travel anomalies, and recurring danger to the characters.

Alcohol or drugs1/5
Why this rating?

Limited background or social substance use may occur, but it is not presented as a central theme.

Violence4/5
Why this rating?

The experiment causes death and destruction, with likely action peril and confrontations central to stopping the threat.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience3/5
Why this rating?

The protagonists display bravery while facing life-threatening anomalies.

Creativity & curiosity2/5
Why this rating?

Explores imaginative 'what-if' time travel scenarios.

Diverse representation1/5
Why this rating?

The available information provides little evidence of substantial, varied representation or diversity-focused storytelling.

Educational value1/5
Why this rating?

It introduces the fictional Philadelphia Experiment concept, but its purpose is entertainment rather than factual instruction.

Kindness & empathy2/5
Why this rating?

The characters appear to show loyalty and concern while responding to a crisis, though kindness is not the main theme.

Positive messages2/5
Why this rating?

Themes of taking responsibility for the consequences of scientific discovery.

Good role models2/5
Why this rating?

The leads act heroically to protect others.

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Conversation starters based on this title’s published content notes.

  1. What did courage look like in this story? Was being brave always the same as being fearless?
  2. How did the story approach death or loss? What helped the characters cope?
  3. Which choice in The Philadelphia Experiment would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in The Philadelphia Experiment, and what caused that change?
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